Emirates A350 cancellation cuts Trent XWB backlog by £2.6 billion

Rolls-Royce says Emirates’ cancellation of orders for 70 A350s will cut its backlog by about 3.5%, but it is hopeful the slots will be taken up by other carriers.

“As a result of today’s announcement, our order book will reduce by around 3.5% or £2.6 billion ($4.4 billion),” says Rolls-Royce in a statement.

“The order for 70 A350 aircraft was confirmed in 2007 as part of a larger $8.4bn announcement relating to a total of 120 aircraft, all with TotalCare services. The options for the additional 50 aircraft, and the TotalCare contracts were not included in the amount captured in our order book.”

The company adds that it retains “a close working relationship” with the Middle Eastern carrier, which operates 38 Rolls-Royce powered aircraft.

“While disappointed with this decision, we are confident that the delivery slots which start towards the end of this decade vacated by Emirates will be taken up by other airlines. Demand for the Airbus A350 remains strong, with more than 700 aircraft and 1,400 Trent XWB engines already sold.”

Flightglobal’s Ascend Online database shows that Emirates A330s and A340s are powered by Rolls-Royce engines. Some of the carrier's 777-200 and -300 aircraft are also powered by Trent 800s.